Seawater temps too high for Pilgrim cooling

PLYMOUTH — The ongoing heat wave could force Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station to shut down, as soaring temperatures continue to warm the Cape Cod Bay waters that the plant relies on to cool key safety systems.

Pilgrim’s license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires the water being drawn from the bay to be no warmer than 75 degrees. On Tuesday night, the temperature in the saltwater system reached 75.3 degrees and remained above the 75-degree limit for about 90 minutes.

If water temperatures rise and show no sign of lowering, the plant has 24 hours to completely shut down.

PLYMOUTH — The owner of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station may consider requesting an adjustment to the plant’s license that would allow the plant to draw warmer water from Cape Cod Bay than is currently allowed.

The ongoing heat wave forced Pilgrim to power down to 85 percent around noon Wednesday because the seawater from Cape Cod Bay, used to cool key systems, exceeded the maximum 75 degree temperature allowed under the plant’s license. The situation was a first in the plant’s 40-year history.

Seawater temps too high for Pilgrim coolingEarly warning alarm shuts down at nuclear plant
By Thursday morning, the plant reported it was once again at full power….